Toucher & Rich: Vancouver Canucks’ Goalie Cory Schneider

Cory Schneider #35 of the Vancouver Canucks looks on during Game Six against the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks battled last year for the Stanley Cup and both made the playoffs again this season. Unfortunately, both teams made early exits in the first round this time.

Marblehead native and Vancouver Canucks goalie Cory Schneider about rumors that Tim Thomas may take next season off, the Canucks’ early post season exit and replacing Roberto Luongo.

Bruins goalie Tim Thomas reportedly moved his family to Colorado during the season and might sit out the next season. Could it have something to do with his no trade clause running out at the start of June? Is Schneider surprised by the quirkiness of the guys that play his position?

“It’s a high strung position there’s a lot of stress mentally and all that stuff, so I think that every now and then it’s good to take some time off so you can stop thinking about it.”

After the Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs GM Mike Gillis said that the team was emotionally spent after the game against the Bruins back in January. Does Schneider agree with Gillis that the game was the emotional highlight of the season and the team was just unable to get that high again in the post season?

“I think he’s right a little bit, I mean you guys all saw that game. It was a heck of a game and it looked like another Stanley Cup Final game. I remember guys telling me that they were sore for a week after that game.”

They also discussed the hatred between these two teams from that Stanley Cup Final last year. Mark Recchi told Gresh & Zo in the fall after winning the Stanley Cup his feelings on the Canucks.

“In 22 years they are the most arrogant team I played against and the most hated team I’ve ever played against,” Recchi said of the Canucks. “I couldn’t believe their antics; they’re falling and diving.”

What did Schneider have to say about the comments made about his team?

“I think we all heard it and we’re kind of use to the criticisms at this point.”

The guys went on to discuss Schneider taking over for star goalie Roberto Luongo at points this year and starting over him for games in the playoffs. Is there any talks about what will happen with his position next season?

On Sunday, June 3rd from 2:15pm to 3:15 meet Cory Schneider, the first 200 people to show up at LJ Sports Cards at 18 Central Street in Southbridge, MA get a free autographed Panini photo.